Millions Perform Hajj Stoning Ritual as Eid Al-Adha Begins in Makkah
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world embark on a spiritual journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. This sacred journey culminates with the performance of various significant rituals, the last major one being the stoning of the devil in the Mina valley. This year, as Eid Al-Adha celebrations began globally, over 1.6 million pilgrims gathered in Mina to perform this ancient and symbolic ritual, reaffirming their faith and devotion. The stoning ritual, deeply rooted in Islamic history and tradition, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance of Satan’s temptations. Alongside this spiritual devotion, authorities implemented strict measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims amid challenging heat conditions and the ongoing necessity of managing the crowd effectively.
The Ritual of Stoning the Devil: A Deeply Symbolic Act
At the break of dawn, the massive crowd of pilgrims moved purposefully from their accommodations in the sprawling tent city of Mina to the three stone pillars, known as Jamarat, symbolizing the devil. Each pilgrim threw seven small stones at each pillar, an act that reenacts Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son. This act of stoning represents the rejection of evil and a renewed commitment to obedience and faith.
The atmosphere was one of solemn devotion and spiritual reflection, yet also relief and joy, as pilgrims completed the ritual with reverence. The cooler morning temperatures provided some respite as the pilgrims moved with a calm determination toward fulfilling this pivotal rite.
Personal Reflections from Pilgrims
Many pilgrims shared their heartfelt experiences following the ritual. Wael Ahmed Abdel Kader, a 34-year-old pilgrim from Egypt, described his experience as straightforward and spiritually uplifting, “Our experience in Mina was easy and simple. We entered and within five minutes, we had completed the stoning of the devil at the ‘Jamarat’.”
For others, the ritual was not only a religious obligation but also a moment of deep personal significance. Howakita, a pilgrim from Guinea, expressed the joy and pride she felt being in Makkah during Eid. “When I threw the stones, I felt at ease. I was truly proud,” she said, reflecting the spiritual satisfaction felt by many.
The Day Before: Gathering at Mount Arafat
The stoning ritual was preceded by the gathering of pilgrims at Mount Arafat, a 70-meter rocky hill just outside Makkah, considered the most important day of the Hajj. Pilgrims assembled to pray, recite the Quran, and seek forgiveness, following the example set by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), who delivered his final sermon here. Despite the intense heat, many climbed Mount Arafat, a testament to their devotion and determination. However, authorities had urged pilgrims to avoid the peak heat hours between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm for their safety, which led to a thinning of crowds during midday.
Ensuring Pilgrim Safety Amid Harsh Conditions
The Hajj season has long posed logistical and safety challenges due to the vast number of pilgrims and extreme desert heat. This year, Saudi authorities introduced a series of heat mitigation strategies alongside a crackdown on illegal pilgrims. These efforts were designed to prevent tragedies similar to those of the previous year when over 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives in soaring temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit).
Officials stressed that many fatalities in the previous year were linked to pilgrims who entered Makkah without permits, often lacking access to accommodation and essential services. This year’s measures, including enhanced medical support, hydration stations, and regulated crowd control, resulted in noticeably thinner crowds and a heightened security presence at holy sites, contributing to safer conditions for pilgrims.
Pilgrim Quotas and Challenges
The Saudi government manages the number of pilgrims through a quota system, distributing permits to countries based on population and demand. Individuals gain access to these permits through lottery systems. Despite these controls, many pilgrims attempt the journey without permits due to the high costs and demand for Hajj, risking arrest or deportation.
This year’s Hajj recorded the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, excluding the Covid-19 years from 2020 to 2022 when travel restrictions heavily limited attendance. Official figures reported 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj last year, a significant number reflecting the continuing importance and global reach of this pilgrimage.
Historical Context of the Stoning Ritual
The stoning ritual at Mina carries a profound history, but it has also been marked by tragedy. In 2015, a fatal stampede during the ritual led to the deaths of approximately 2,300 pilgrims, one of the deadliest disasters in Hajj history. Since then, Saudi authorities have worked tirelessly to improve crowd control and infrastructure at the Jamarat Bridge to prevent such incidents.
Economic Significance of Hajj and Umrah
Beyond its spiritual importance, the Hajj pilgrimage is a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The kingdom earns billions annually from Hajj and Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage that Muslims perform throughout the year. The income generated supports services, infrastructure, and hospitality industries that cater to millions of pilgrims.
